The Black Bear

Restaurant · McKinley Park

The Black Bear

Restaurant · McKinley Park

1

Parks Hwy, Denali National Park and Preserve, AK 99755

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Highlights

Espresso, pastries, and breakfast in a log cabin  

Featured in Eater
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Parks Hwy, Denali National Park and Preserve, AK 99755 Get directions

theblackbeardenali.com
@theblackbeardenali

$10–20

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Parks Hwy, Denali National Park and Preserve, AK 99755 Get directions

+1 907 683 1656
theblackbeardenali.com
@theblackbeardenali

$10–20

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Aug 11, 2025

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@eater

The 10 Best Restaurants Near Denali National Park, Alaska | Eater

"It’s easy to stay up too late when exploring the Land of the Midnight Sun. For the mornings after, head to the Black Bear for a cup of rocket-fuel coffee. They use Steam Dot beans — which, for those uninitiated, if a cult favorite Alaska-based roastery. The cozy log cabin shop also has a full brunch menu — the biscuits and gravy and breakfast bearito (see what they did there?) will set you right." - Bailey Berg

https://www.eater.com/maps/best-restaurants-denali-national-park-alaska
View Postcard for The Black Bear

Amanda Mitchum

Google
Alaskan coffee is now my favorite! The Caramel Latte was creamy, rich, and tasty. I love the latte art in my foam! The atmosphere inside was upbeat and I felt right at home. Staff members were friendly, speedy, and professional. We ate the Avocado Toast, Breakfast Burrito, Granola Parfait, and a breakfast plate. All of the food came out in a timely manner and tasted delicious! The restaurant was surprisingly clean considering how busy they were - all the tables were wiped quickly and the area for returning plates was tidy. The Black Bear is super accessible with plenty of parking. It was a chilly day but the temperature inside was cozy. There was a selection of local artwork on the wall for sale that looked professionally painted. The shop felt very welcoming and had a great Alaskan identity. I highly recommend this restaurant for anyone wanting to experience great Alaskan coffee!

Marit L

Google
So good we went multiple times! Could be a line in the morning when they opened. Make a mean latte. Staff was friendly. Flavorful tomato soup. Can take anything to go. Offer grab and go sandwiches. All of the brown rice bowls were hearty and worth the price. About 6 tables in back and bar seating.

Diana M

Google
Delicious, homemade food. We are in the area for two days and came here for dinner, breakfast and lunch, and probably will come again for breakfast tomorrow. Do note that it can take ~30 minutes to prepare your meal but it is well worth it. Don't miss their amazing selection of baked goods Including vegan, gf, and refined-sugar free options.

Matthew Rodrigues

Google
Great little coffee shop among the gift shops near the entrance to Denali national park. The latte I ordered was prepared perfectly with great tasting espresso and excellent milk texture and temperature. There are tons of options for drinks and plenty of pastries available as well! I highly recommend stopping here for your coffee needs!

Christopher Clark

Google
Coffee good. Gets packed quick. When it gets warmer the outdoor deck looks fun to sit on. The breakfast sandwich was good with bacon. Coffee cake good too but they said they could not warm it up.

Siddharth Dash

Google
Overall a great experience. We got coffee and breakfast. Slightly on the pricier end, but I think it’s justified given the seasonal nature of travel around the area. I got the breakfast bearito and my wife got the lumberjack. Both of us were pleased with our meals.

R G Rampy

Google
My black bean, avocado, rice and chicken dish was good once it arrived barely warm 15-20 minutes after the order was placed. Should’ve gone back to the far superior crepe shop on the same strip.

Craig Brophy

Google
If you are staying at the denali princess wilderness lodge then it is right across the street. Food is fresh and delicious. Had the breakfast bearito.
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Diana G.

Yelp
This restaurant is located on a strip of shops and other restaurants. You can't miss it because there is always a crowd. Even though it is always busy, they are pretty efficient. You order at the counter and someone brings out your food. For drinks, you wait for them to call out your name at the counter. They have to go sandwiches, snacks, and drinks. They also have hot food and a full service coffee bar. I ordered the London fog latte and the tofu melt. The tofu melt is an open face sandwich with tofu, cheese and avocado. It was so good. The London Fog latte was made to perfection . They have inside and outside eating. Outside seating is not shaded, but it has very nice of views. They do ask to bus your own tables as this is not a full-service restaurant. The staff was friendly and available to assist. Parking is on site but shared with the multiple businesses on the strip. Oh they have pastries. They looked amazing, but I didn't get to taste them.
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Siddhi A.

Yelp
Amazing food in cozy cafe. It is located just outside denali national park. Love this place for vibe. We were seated on time and served hot charred carrot soup with bread and jackfruit sandwich. Food is tasty and located at prime spot. Loved service n food.
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Jenn M.

Yelp
Yum! We've been eating a lot of hotel dining room food, so it was really wonderful to have real, regular food like I would eat if I had my way every day. I had Avocado toast with bacon added. The pickled onions were so yummy as was the amazing homemade made focaccia and basil. My companion got the BLT with avocado added. Homemade lemonade was so refreshing not too sweet at all. And did they mention the baked goods? Sweet potato gingerbread that was a lovely treat also. I can't wait to go back tomorrow for a breakfast burrito
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Yiqiu W.

Yelp
The food is good and service is fast. Ordered to-go of salmon salad and adobo chicken, and both are very tasty and have good portions.
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Scott J.

Yelp
What a great little gem in Denali! They have a great breakfast and good service. Thankful to come across them. Most places in Denali are not good.
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Astha A.

Yelp
The food was great and they have the best coffee options. We came in early morning and while the place was busy, service was pretty fast. Got our drinks within few minutes and food after a bit. We got breakfast burrito and the lumberjack and both tasted fantastic. The potatoes in the lumberjack were perfect crispy and seasoned. We sat outside with beautiful views and couldn't have asked for a more perfect start to our day. Highly recommend for anyone visiting Denali NP or traveling through.
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Greg H.

Yelp
Food was great, crowded inside. Portions are pretty small, but wonderful ingredients. Staff is wonderful. Best meal we've had in Denali/glitter Gulch so far.

Paris J.

Yelp
Ok all I ordered was a chai and a smoothie. Chai was sweet but the smoothie was just the most flavorless thing I've ever had. But other than that, they were nice and it came out fast just the smoothie was just real booty.
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King J.

Yelp
Food was fair. Hot food not hot. Good taste. Three of us dined and total was $85 for 3 entrees and 2 bakery items. Guilt tip requested at payment. Order at cash register and they delivered food but card on table said we needed to clear our own table. We asked for 2 more tiny tortillas and they wanted to charge. I am an ex chef and restaurant owner and know the business. This one falls way short. Go Buy a bakery item and then eat somewhere else.
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Michael L.

Yelp
Solid breakfast and lunch spot that's only a few miles away from Denali National Park's visitor center. Their baked goods (tried their peanut butter cookies, pecan coffee cake, and focaccia) were home made and absolutely fresh and delicious. The portobello sandwich was very tasty. The focaccia was super fresh and the taste of the portobello coupled with tomato and arugula was divine. The avocado toast was served over the same bread and it was seasoned perfectly. The chicken bowl was chicken with black beans and pico de gallo on a bed of brown rice. I added some hot sauce on top to add some heat but otherwise it was well balanced. The baked goods looked so good so we bought a few and they were terrific. Chunks of peanut in the cookie and the coffee cake had a good layer of topping on it. We're in the area for a few days so we will likely stop in again. In terms of service, you order up front and try to grab a table. It wasn't too busy when we were there so there were no issues with seating. They have self serve water and you bus your own dishes on the way out. Overall it was a pleasant experience and highly recommend it for the quality of food a which is fairly priced.

Vicki M.

Yelp
Fresh food. Had a great sandwich for a quick grab and go. We didn't try any but the Bakery looked great!
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Sajad S. J.

Yelp
Food quality was indeed great. Coffee could be a bit stronger but overall good. Would definitely recommend it
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Candie W.

Yelp
I wanted to like it but the server is rude, i paid for a coffee and she filled it halfway and when i tried to ask for more she ignored me. Waste of money and i was planning on going for breakfast but not after that experience.
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Joel W.

Yelp
Friendly family owns the establishment, and was very hospitable. great coffee and food, and nicely decorated and cleaned, when many shops in Denali are old and/or trashed. highly recommend stopping here. coming from ND, we felt at home here!

Emily S.

Yelp
Delicious Breakfast! (Realizing I forgot to capture a photo!) Quaint breakfast spot and bakery - The house-made biscuits are a must! I recommend getting a breakfast sandwich and subbing a biscuit in place of the english muffin. Very filling Also. There are only about 6 small tables and some counter seating, but the turnover was quick. Service is quick and everything is fresh and hot
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John T.

Yelp
Very vegetarian friendly. Very good coffee. Portobello breakfast sandwich was a treat. Ability to sub portobello for any meat rare in Alaska and greatly appreciated. Worth it to come here for that reason alone. Breakfast Bearito starts off pretty basic with the ability to add portobellos or other good vege options. Again, appreciated. Order at the counter, food brought to your table, self bus. About the only restaurant in "Glitter Gulch" I would recommend; plus the always reliable Subway (don't mean to lump Black Bear and Subway together, but its a real shame such a nice park has a tour bus tourist trap for a neighbor). Definitely would return.

Lauren D.

Yelp
Great place to grab breakfast and a beverage! All of the staff were friendly and courteous, service was fast, and the food was excellent! My group got the breakfast burrito, the BLT, and the biscuits and gravy and we all agreed that we would definitely come back here.
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Ines B.

Yelp
My fiancé and I stopped here for brunch after a hike in Denali National Park. We were very hungry and The Black Bear delivered! The breakfast burrito was delicious, but could have been a little bit bigger. The avocado toast was delicious and unique. The only negative was the iced latte, which was not the best, especially when compared to lattes from Kaladi Brothers. However, it provided the necessary caffeine, and after eating and resting in the lovely outdoor seating, we were ready for more adventuring in the park. Would visit again!

Linda V.

Yelp
Excellent Adobo chicken platter with delicious corn salad, and brisket platter had tender chunks of seasoned beef with refreshing coleslaw slaw. All homemade. Desserts look amazing though we didn't save room to try them. Laid back, comfortable vibe. Overlooked restaurant that you should try!

Allison H.

Yelp
Short walk from Princess Lodge and way better selection. Excellent food and beverages! The lumberjack was my husband's favorite and I really liked the happy bowl with eggs!
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Wendy C.

Yelp
Decent drip coffee, but the prepackaged curried chicken sandwich I just got is literally horrible. $14 - limp, not fresh lettuce, of which there was a lot, and dry chicken filling. The flavour was bland, and I fail to detect any Curry flavour at all. This sandwich lacks mayonnaise seriously. I don't recommend this. Go to Subway

JoAnna K.

Yelp
Great coffee but breakfast was mediocre. Pastries were great. Although food was better then princess lodge across the street.

Jennifer B.

Yelp
Lovely little find in an area surrounded by typical tourist restaurants. The menu has tasty choices and delicious drinks. My only regret is not sampling any of the amazing looking baked goods.
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Christi I.

Yelp
A true local gem in the heart of Denali. All of the biscuits, English muffins, foccacia bread, scones, muffins, breads, and more are made fresh daily. Loads of items are available for vegans, vegetarians & gluten-free individuals. A farm to table dinner is served nightly Wednesday through Sunday. And I'm not going to forget to mention all of the delicious beverages. I'm a big fan of the Chai Lattes and Ben Clouds. Do yourself a favor and visit Black Bear!
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Angela C.

Yelp
Lovely brunch establishment outside of Denali NP. They serve vegan and GF options as well. Was really wanting to try the Sourdough Flapjacks but because we got there later in the morning, they were already sold out. They said they only make so much per day and it's a popular item. Their pastry case has some pretty amazing baked goods, especially their coconut loaf! Yum! There's also a case with drinks and pre-made sandwiches if you want to stop by and pick up lunch for the bus tour or your day out at Denali. There's a small dining area to the left of the entrance with about 6 tables. It's seat yourself and bus your own table style. Everything we got was good, especially the Happy Bowl. The chimichurri sauce that came in the bowl was super yummy. They close at 2:00 pm so get there before then if you want to give it a try! Support small, local busineses!!
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Deborah E.

Yelp
Ugh! Spent $6.50 each on pastries that were terrible! The coffee cake was about as salty as a potato chip on top, the chocolate chip cupcake was as dry as a week old cupcake. Super dense and dry. The saving grace was delicious banana bread. Coffee was pretty good. Instead of posting and not telling management I decided to bring to the front and explain why I was unhappy, I did mention that their banana bread was delicious. The cashier was pretty nice, I explained why and just added that I'm a baker and have won awards for my baking ( I do and help professional bakers with recipe development) but said it in a nice way as I believe it's a professional courtesy to make them aware. Another employee walking by sarcastically said, "is it award winning?" About the bananas bread. I found this incredibly rude. The cashier offered a refund or other pastries and I appreciated that.
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Debarshi C.

Yelp
Good: we ordered Bohemian and Avocado toast. Avocado toast was tasty. Bad: 1) Focaccia toast which came with Bohemian was tiny. Didn't put butter or jam on the toast, even if it was mentioned to come with either. 2) For all meals, portion size is tiny compared to price. Every item has add ons which are very steeply priced. For example, add 2 eggs for $5 on an avocado toast sandwich which is already priced at $13 before taxes. 3) Found they are selling about 10 pieces of cherry for $10 - that's ridiculous ( see attached pic) 4) Inside Sitting arrangement is cramped with no ventilation. 5) You have to order food and clean your own plates - prices don't justify the service that they are offering.

Patricia W.

Yelp
First and last time to visit here. Guy taking orders spent 15 minutes taking one order from an obvious friend so extra slow service. Telltale sign was saying they'd see each other tonight. Ordered 3 items for breakfast but this cafe does NOT heat up any of their breakfast pastries, breads etc. -- no microwave in the kitchen? Microwave available for patrons would be a good idea for warm breakfast in 40 degree weather or BIG improvement would be HEAT IT for paying customers! The pecan coffee cake was very dry and topping extra salty so couldn't eat it. Banana bread was good but cold from the cooler so would have been so much better warm. Ordered chocolate cupcake that was so crumbly and dry that I couldn't eat it. Self cleanup with very few seating areas and dirty tables. I would NOT go back.
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Chathu K.

Yelp
This is a perfect place for breakfast! Very friendly staff with nice small cafe vibe. On top of that food is amazing and reasonably priced! They are not trying to charge tourist prices here..
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Heath G.

Yelp
Good food but a small space so tough seating with groups larger than 4. Good pastries and coffee as well. Price point slightly better than surrounding restaurants.
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Christopher S.

Yelp
The best thing about this place were the baked goods: the brownie and the coconut bread were delicious and fresh and rich. The okay thing about this place were the drinks: the hot chocolate was supposed to taste like it was made with milk--but it was more like water, and the chocolate flavor was more mild than strong. The chai was spicy in the best way and both drinks were served hot enough. The worst thing: the chili verde burrito. Everything was so bland. It was mostly rice with little meat. The only thing about with taste was the pork, which actually tasted like raw pig--gross and ugly--rather than like pork that was seasoned and properly cooked. The ambiance is okay. Place is kind of small in the first room othree tables that are comfortable enough to sit in. Ambient noise from the people working behind the counter, but no annoying apparent piped in music. The service was fine. They admitted to using some water to dissolve the chocolate, but were adamant about the rest being milk. Good for sweets and drinks but avoid the food. It is both nasty and way too pricy. $17 for the burrito which was the size od a small Pilsbury crosant canister.
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Leona V.

Yelp
We ordered a breakfast platter, ham biscuit, and a coffee. We originally wanted the flapjacks but the dough was not ready. The breakfast was tasty with a lot of emphasis on the bacon and potatoes. The coffee was a little bitter and that didn't change with cream and sugar. Really good service here and it's locally owned.

Aminta V.

Yelp
My daughter and I had breakfast and lunch at this cafe while staying in Denali. the food is absolutely delicious. I had the Happy Bowl with chicken and my daughter had the same but with Mushrooms. we also got a amazing Almond Jam cookie, wow that was so good! I highly recommend!
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Tara R.

Yelp
We stopped in this afternoon for a quick lunch after arriving to Denali. We were told they had great food by our hotel staff and they sure were right! They have a small menu but it contains a good variety of options. My husband had an order of biscuits and gravy with a side of potatoes. The potatoes were super well done, maybe a little too much, but other than that he really enjoyed his meal. I had a cup of the potato leek soup and the avocado toast. The soup was hot and delicious and full of fresh ingredients. The avocado toast was probably the best one I've ever had. It had a layer of a spread that was super delicious. The service was excellent. You order your food at the counter and pay and then the staff delivers it to your table. We only waited a few minutes. They were super quick even though the restaurant was rather full. I would highly recommend this spot for breakfast/brunch.
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Phuong H.

Yelp
Stumbled across this place without knowing what we were about to be in for! My husband and I ordered: HAPPY BOWL - When I saw this on the menu I knew this was my type of dish, I added eggs too! The chimmichurri sauce was bomb & the portion size was perfect. I didn't care too much for the side veggies but everything else was amazing. TRIPLE BISCUITS - My husband loved this! The portion size was huge & the biscuit was not soggy at all even though there was a lot of gravy. The best biscuits and gravy we've ever had. PB COOKIE - So fresh & the texture was everything! CHIA PUDDY - Homemade & very satisfying. It wasn't too sweet either! The hint of coconut made this! CUSTOMER SERVICE - Very friendly & quick!
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Matt L.

Yelp
Down the street from the Bluffs Hotel, across the street from Denali Village, and a short drive from the park entrance, the Black Bear is a popular breakfast/coffee restaurant in the Denali Park area. There were a couple of people already outside waiting for the doors to open at 7:00. We were probably third in line. At the time, there were limited pastries available but by the time we left, the case was full. Coffee I thought was just okay but their breakfast was pretty good. I ordered the platter which had potatoes, eggs, bacon, and biscuit and gravy. The potatoes were super crispy and hot, the way I like them. My least favorite on the platter was the biscuit and gravy but I'm not a huge biscuit and gravy person. Service was good, all of the people were friendly! Overall, a great place for a quick or more casual breakfast before starting your day in Denali.
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Lindsey O.

Yelp
It was OK. I got eggs with biscuits and the eggs were nothing to write home about, but the biscuit was pretty good. The guy at the cashier was super friendly and very likable, but the barista got my order wrong several times and I had to have it remade three times. The oatmeal cookie here was a bit dry as well. There is a great ambience though and lots of outdoor seating so you can enjoy the sun and the views.
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Rebecca C.

Yelp
Across the street/highway from Denali Princess Lodge (cross at the light). Great food and coffee! Lots of gluten free menu and bakery items too for my parents. I got the Bohemian. Probably the best biscuit I've ever had. Nice outdoor seating option.
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Douglas K.

Yelp
Great service. Also, wanted to let everyone know that this location is STILL OPEN for business. COVID-19 Measures: Given the vaccine rollout and Alaska's low number of COVID patients, things are very laid back here. I haven't seen many people wearing masks around Denali to be honest. Location: The Black Bear is located in a shopping center with gift shops and restaurants nearby. This is one of the few areas where you can go out to eat for miles. Food: I really liked my breakfast sandwich and the coffee hit the spot. Service: The staff were all super nice. Verdict: Visit for the coffee and cool people.
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Valerie G.

Yelp
BEST COFFEE AND FOOD You will not regret stopping here or waiting in the line. Fair prices and even better service. Incredible food!! They have plenty of dairy, free, gluten-free options for all guests. It's such a cute and cozy little spot in the park. It's close to the Princess Cruise hotel, and is a perfect start to a great day exploring Denali! There's not many tables inside, so don't plan to sit with a big group but you can take anything to go. Also, the chai is sweet -- in case you're like me and are wondering.
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Darryl N.

Yelp
The GO TO SPOT for Coffee and Breakfast if in the area. We stayed across the street at the Princess Lodge and 'unofficially' this was highly recommended by the staff, who didn't want to admit it. Located in a line of shops. Great Coffee and Breakfast spot. Has all the prerequisites for a fast paced coffee shop. A refrigerator deli section with sandwiches, yogurts and drinks to go. They have about 12 tables inside and about 6 outside tables on the porch. We became addicted to their homemade biscuits and gravy with potatoes. My wife thought the outside was a little hard, but I thought they were fine. Gravy was excellent and potatoes were great too. Coffee was nice and hot and strong. We had both regular coffee and mochas during our two visits. Cheaper and more local support than staying on the Princess side. Very friendly and lots of locals who were nice to share their experiences. You can also get sandwiches and drinks for the road.

telu t.

Yelp
Best coffee within 100 miles!! Perfect lattes with latte art. (Didn't try anything else but yelp wants me to say more. )
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Eugenia C.

Yelp
Excellent coffee & breakfast! Their blueberry muffin was yummy. We'll be back tomorrow.
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Edna V.

Yelp
Perfect place for coffee, breakfast, and snacks for any day trip!! We had a couple of coffees, homemade cookies and a breakfast bearito to go. Everyone was super nice. Definitely better than standing at the long resort line cafe.

Karen O.

Yelp
Had 2 americanos here on separate days - they were average. Bakery looked delicious but I didn't eat anything. The music was SO loud in here both days that I could not stay after I grabbed my coffee.

Skip M.

Yelp
This place is so much more than a coffee place! It was recommended by a friend and the dinner was outstanding. My wife had the duck & I had the brisket and both were delicious. I accidentally left my hat so we had to go back the next day... they had my hat and we had a great Sunday brunch!

Malfoy K.

Yelp
A cozy, queercoded, sustainability-focused atmosphere, comforting food, and quick service made coming here a lovely experience. I came here both mornings I visited Denali and ordered the same thing: the Happy Bowl with grilled chicken. Protein and nutrient packed, the dish was as fueling for hiking as it was tasty. Can't recommend this place enough.

Lauren W.

Yelp
This place was crazy busy but so worth it! They were very knowledgeable about their food allergens and the English muffin (homemade!!) was incredible.
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Krista M.

Yelp
Definitely a great local business near Denali National Park. My Dad and I stopped here on June 24th, 2019 on our way out of Denali. Black Bear Coffee House opens at 6am and we took full advantage of a grab and go stop as we headed from Denali to Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve. Of course I ordered a coffee and also got the Breakfast Bearito (scrambled eggs with cheddar jack, potatoes, salsa, and a flour tortilla). I have a feeling I ordered bacon in there too. I believe my Dad ordered the Breakfast Sandwich. Both orders came out quickly and were savored on the long drive. They also have pancakes, avocado toast, eggs Benedict, parfaits, pastries, and burgers just to name a few. I'd absolutely love to come back and dine in. The place is super cute with lots of options. A little on the pricey side but it is Alaska after all. Excellent, speedy service. Five stars - it's just about as good as it gets!